Automatic Emergency Call Initiator for Incapacitated Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems require manual initiation of emergency calls, which can be difficult or impossible in situations where the user is incapacitated or unable to access their device, and lack efficient mechanisms for automatically locating and tracking mobile stations during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a small Bluetooth device or Automatic Emergency Call Initiator (AECI) that can automatically initiate an emergency call and track the location of a mobile station, coupled with an Emergency Notification Server (ENS) that captures and records location data of nearby mobile stations, allowing for automatic notification and tracking protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual initiation of emergency calls is used, then user control is maintained, but response time is delayed when user is incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting emergency situations (falls, collisions, intrusions) and initiating emergency calls without requiring user action. Sensors continuously monitor for abnormal conditions, and upon detection, the system automatically contacts emergency services, ensuring timely response even when the user is incapacitated.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency call system serves itself by automatically detecting emergencies and placing calls without human intervention. The device monitors its own status through sensors, determines when an emergency occurs, and autonomously initiates contact with emergency services, eliminating the need for manual user action during critical moments.
2Loss of time
If automatic emergency call initiation is implemented, then response time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic emergency system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensors for detecting emergencies, a processor for analyzing sensor data, and a communication module for initiating calls. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a regular communication device for normal use and simultaneously functions as an automatic emergency detection and notification system. By integrating emergency detection capabilities into an existing multi-functional device, the system avoids the complexity of dedicated single-purpose emergency devices while maintaining automatic emergency response capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If location tracking of mobile stations is performed, then emergency response accuracy is improved, but privacy concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
Location tracking is applied locally and selectively only during emergency situations rather than continuously. The system activates location monitoring specifically when an emergency is detected, obtaining precise location data only when necessary for emergency response, thereby minimizing privacy intrusion while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares location tracking capabilities in advance but implements protective measures by only activating them during verified emergencies. Pre-positioned sensors and location services are ready to function, but actual location data collection is suppressed during normal use and only activated when emergency conditions are confirmed, preventing unnecessary privacy intrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
An Automatic Emergency Call Initiator (AECI) initiates an automatic emergency call protocol on a mobile communication system, which can be done using signaling messages. The user uses the AECI to initiate the call on a mobile station. GPS or other location data is automatically determined. Data is stored on an Emergency Notification Server (ENS) associated with an event identifier for easy retrieval or notification to emergency responders. The ENS generates an automated call to a call center and also supports the automatic emergency call protocol by storing GPS and identifying info on mobile stations meeting location criteria of the AECI initiated call. The ENS can also tag a mobile station to continue tracking mobile stations coming within a specified distance of the mobile station. A security alert protocol for predetermined mobile stations detected by a network can also be implemented using the ENS.